K173660 · Alcon Laboratories, Inc. · OOE · Mar 27, 2018 · Ophthalmic
Device Facts
Record ID
K173660
Device Name
LenSx Laser System
Applicant
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Product Code
OOE · Ophthalmic
Decision Date
Mar 27, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 886.4390
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The LenSx Laser System is indicated for use: In the creation of corneal cuts/incisions (single-plane, and arcuate), anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery. Each of these procedures may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same surgery. In the creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea. In the creation of corneal pockets for placement/insertion of a corneal inlay device and for creation of corneal tunnels for the placement of corneal rings.
Device Story
Ophthalmic surgical laser; uses focused femtosecond laser pulses for photodisruption of tissue. Input: computer-controlled scanning patterns; Output: precise incisions/tissue separation in lens capsule, crystalline lens, and cornea. Used in clinical settings by physicians. System includes sterile, disposable applanating lens and suction ring assembly to fix eye. Computer-controlled scanning directs laser beam in 3D patterns; photodisruption occurs at laser focus. Enables cataract surgery (capsulotomy, phacofragmentation), LASIK flap creation, and corneal pocket/tunnel creation for inlays/rings. Benefits: high-precision, automated tissue cutting compared to manual techniques.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluation of accuracy and reproducibility of depths and geometry for corneal pocket and tunnel treatment patterns compared to predicate acceptance criteria. Compliance with electrical safety and performance standards (ANSI AAMI ES 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1, IEC 62304, IEC 62366).
Technological Characteristics
Femtosecond laser (1030 nm wavelength); max pulse energy 15 µJ (cataract) or 2.6 µJ (corneal). Computer-controlled 3D scanning system. Patient interface: cone with curved contact lens and integrated suction ring. Software-controlled. Standards: ANSI AAMI ES 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1, IEC 62304, IEC 62366.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing cataract surgery, LASIK surgery, or other ophthalmic procedures requiring lamellar resection of the cornea, creation of corneal pockets for inlay devices, or creation of corneal tunnels for ring placement.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ophthalmic laser is an AC-powered device intended to coagulate or cut tissue of the eye, orbit, or surrounding skin by a laser beam.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo in blue, with the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" stacked on top of the word "ADMINISTRATION".
March 27, 2018
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. James Arganda Director Global Regulatory Affairs 20511 Lake Forest Dr Lake Forest, CA 92630
Re: K173660
Trade/Device Name: LenSx Laser System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.4390 Regulation Name: Ophthalmic Laser Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OOE, HOC, HNO Dated: February 15, 2018 Received: February 16, 2018
Dear James Arganda:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies.
{1}------------------------------------------------
You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
# Denise L. Hampton -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K173660
Device Name LenSx Laser System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The LenSx Laser System is indicated for use:
- · In the creation of corneal cuts/incisions (single-plane, and arcuate), anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery. Each of these procedures may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same surgery.
- · In the creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea.
- · In the creation of corneal pockets for placement/insertion of a corneal inlay device and for creation of corneal tunnels for the placement of corneal rings.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size:12px">☒</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:12px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary document has been prepared in accordance with section 21 CFR 807.92.
# I. Submitter of the 510(k)
| Company: | Alcon Laboratories, Inc.<br>6201 South Freeway<br>Fort Worth, TX 76134-2099, USA |
|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Contact Person: | James Arganda<br>Alcon Research, Ltd.<br>20511 Lake Forest Dr.<br>Lake Forest, CA 92630 |
| Phone: | (949) 505-7038 |
| Fax: | (949) 505-6237 |
| Email: | james.arganda@alcon.com |
| Back up Contact Person: | Kim Regis |
| Phone: | (949) 505-7232 |
| Fax: | (949) 505-6237 |
| Email: | kim.regis@alcon.com |
| Date Prepared: | 28 November 2017 |
# II. Devices Subject to this 510(k)
| Trade/Device Name: | LenSx Laser System |
|------------------------|--------------------|
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 886.4390 |
| Regulation Name: | Ophthalmic Laser |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Product Code: | OOE, HQC, HNO |
{4}------------------------------------------------
| | Primary Predicate Device | Additional Predicates |
|---------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k)<br>Clearance | K163551 | K141852<br>K141476 |
| Device Name | LenSx Laser System | iFS Laser System<br>WaveLight FS200 |
| Manufacture | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | AMO Manufacturing<br>USA, LLC<br>Alcon Laboratories, Inc. |
#### III. Predicate Device
## IV. Device Description
The LenSx Laser System is an ophthalmic surgical laser which uses focused femtosecond laser pulses to create incisions and to separate tissue within the lens capsule, crystalline lens, and the cornea. A femtosecond light pulses is focused into a sufficiently small spot in order to achieve photodisruption of the tissue inside the focus. A tiny volume of tissue, a few microns in diameter, is thereby photodisrupted at the laser focus. A computer-controlled scanning system directs the focused laser beam throughout a three-dimensional pattern to produce an incision. The surgical effect is produced by scanning thousands of individual pulses per second to produce a continuous incision or tissue separation.
The location of the tissue photodisruption is controlled by moving the focus of the laser beam to the desired surgical target location. A computer-controlled scanning system directs the laser beam throughout a three-dimensional pattern to produce an incision. The laser pulses are delivered through a sterile, disposable applanating lens and suction ring assembly that contacts the cornea and fixes the eye with respect to the delivery system.
#### Indications for Use v.
The following indications for use for the LenSx Laser System are unchanged from the previously cleared device (K163551):
In the creation of corneal cuts/incisions (single-plane, multi-plane and arcuate), anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery. Each of these procedures may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same surgery.
{5}------------------------------------------------
- . In the creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea.
- . In the creation of corneal pockets for placement/insertion of a corneal inlay device; and for creation of corneal tunnels for the placement of corneal rings.
### VI. Comparison to Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The modified LenSx Laser System is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device (K163551) and additional predicate devices (K141852, K141476) in terms of indications for use, technological characteristics and fundamental scientific technology. The subject and predicate laser systems share the same design principle and mode of operation in that they all deliver femtosecond pulses through a computer-controlled delivery system to produce a pattern of photodisruption to create incisions in the ophthalmic tissue. The means of fixation of the patient contact portion of the devices are all substantially equivalent in that the suction vacuum affixes a suction ring to the corneal surface prior to use.
No changes to the LenSx Laser System's operating principles, system specifications or disposable Patient Interface were required to support the additional indications for use. Software updates were implemented to support the new functionality along with associated graphical user interface functionality. While no changes are proposed to the LenSx Laser system hardware, new painted skin colors that are intended to harmonize the appearance of the LenSx Laser console appearance with other Alcon commercial products are proposed.
Modifications proposed in this 510(k) premarket notification were tested to show substantial equivalence to the predicate device. The following summarizes the substantial equivalence between the modified device and the predicate device.
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON LENSX LASER SYSTEM – PREDICATE DEVICES
| | SYSTEM<br>PROPOSED | PRIMARY PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k)<br>Clearance | | K163551 | K141852 | K141476 |
| Device Name | LenSx Laser System | LenSx Laser System | iFS Laser System | WaveLight FS200 |
| Manufacture | Alcon Laboratories | Alcon Laboratories | AMO Manufacturing<br>USA, LLC | Alcon Laboratories |
| Indication<br>for Use | The LenSx Laser<br>System is indicated for<br>use:<br>□ In the creation of<br>corneal cuts/incisions<br>(single-plane, multi-<br>plane, and arcuate),<br>anterior capsulotomy<br>and laser<br>phacofragmentation<br>during cataract<br>surgery. Each of<br>these procedures may<br>be performed either<br>individually or<br>consecutively during<br>the same surgery.<br>□ In the creation of a<br>corneal flap in<br>patients undergoing<br>LASIK surgery or<br>other treatment<br>requiring initial | The LenSx Laser<br>System is indicated for<br>use:<br>□ In the creation of<br>corneal cuts/incisions<br>(single-plane, multi-<br>plane, and arcuate),<br>anterior capsulotomy<br>and laser<br>phacofragmentation<br>during cataract<br>surgery. Each of<br>these procedures may<br>be performed either<br>individually or<br>consecutively during<br>the same surgery.<br>□ In the creation of a<br>corneal flap in<br>patients undergoing<br>LASIK surgery or<br>other treatment<br>requiring initial | □ In patients<br>undergoing surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring initial<br>lamellar resection of<br>the cornea<br>□ In patients<br>undergoing surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring initial<br>lamellar resection of<br>the cornea to create<br>tunnels for<br>placement of corneal<br>ring segments<br>□ In patients<br>undergoing<br>ophthalmic surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring arcuate<br>cuts/incisions in the<br>cornea, penetrating<br>and/or intrastromal | The WaveLight FS200<br>Laser System is an<br>ophthalmic surgical<br>laser indicated for use:<br>□ In the creation of a<br>corneal flap in<br>patients undergoing<br>LASIK surgery or<br>other surgery or<br>treatment requiring<br>initial lamellar<br>resection of the<br>cornea.<br>In patients<br>undergoing surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring initial<br>lamellar resection of<br>the cornea to create<br>tunnels for<br>placement of corneal<br>ring segments. |
| | SYSTEM<br>PROPOSED | PRIMARY PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE |
| | lamellar resection of<br>the cornea.<br>□ (New) In the creation<br>of corneal pockets<br>for<br>placement/insertion<br>of a corneal inlay<br>device; and for<br>creation of corneal<br>tunnels for the<br>placement of corneal<br>rings. | lamellar resection of<br>the cornea. | □ In lamellar IEK and<br>corneal harvesting<br>□ In the creation of a<br>corneal flap in<br>patients undergoing<br>LASIK surgery or<br>other treatment<br>requiring initial<br>lamellar resection of<br>the cornea<br>□ In the creation of a<br>lamellar<br>cut/resection of the<br>cornea for lamellar<br>IEK and for the<br>creation of a<br>penetrating<br>cut/incision for<br>penetrating IEK<br>□ In patients<br>undergoing<br>ophthalmic surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring the<br>creation of corneal<br>channels for<br>placement/insertion<br>of a corneal inlay<br>device | □ In the creation of a<br>lamellar<br>cut/resection of the<br>cornea for lamellar<br>keratoplasty.<br>□ In the creation of a<br>penetrating<br>cut/incision for<br>penetrating<br>keratoplasty and for<br>corneal harvesting.<br>□ In patients<br>undergoing<br>ophthalmic surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring arcuate<br>cuts/incisions in the<br>cornea.<br>□ In patients<br>undergoing<br>ophthalmic surgery<br>or other treatment<br>requiring pocket<br>cuts/incisions in the<br>cornea. |
| Operating<br>Principle | Femtosecond laser<br>photodisruption | Femtosecond laser<br>photodisruption | Femtosecond laser<br>photodisruption | Femtosecond laser<br>photodisruption |
| | SYSTEM<br>PROPOSED | PRIMARY PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE | ADDITIONAL PREDICATE |
| Mechanism<br>of Action | Cutting and resection<br>surfaces are created by<br>scanned patterns of<br>femtosecond laser<br>micro-photodisruptions<br>in tissue | Cutting and resection<br>surfaces are created by<br>scanned patterns of<br>femtosecond laser<br>micro-photodisruptions<br>in tissue | Cutting and resection<br>surfaces are created by<br>scanned patterns of<br>femtosecond laser<br>micro-photodisruptions<br>in tissue | Cutting and resection<br>surfaces are created by<br>scanned patterns of<br>femtosecond laser<br>micro-photodisruptions<br>in tissue |
| Laser<br>Wavelength | 1030 nm | 1030 nm | 1053 nm | 1030 nm |
| Maximum<br>Pulse<br>Energy | 15 µJ for cataract<br>2.6 µJ for corneal<br>flaps, pockets and<br>tunnels | 15 µJ for cataract<br>2.6 µJ for corneal flaps<br>for LASIK | 2.5 µJ | 2.4 µJ |
| Accessory<br>Design | Cone with curved<br>contact lens with<br>integrated suction ring | Cone with curved<br>contact lens with<br>integrated suction ring | Cone with flat contact<br>lens and separate<br>suction ring | Cone with flat contact<br>lens and separate<br>suction ring |
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
{9}------------------------------------------------
### VII. Performance Data
The performance data supporting substantial equivalence of the LenSx Laser with the above modifications include:
- . Evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of the depths and geometry of the previously cleared treatment patterns using the modified LenSx Laser in comparison to acceptance criteria established for the predicate LenSx Laser.
- . Evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of the depths and geometry of the proposed new corneal pocket treatment patterns using the modified LenSx Laser.
- . Evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of the depths and geometry of the proposed new corneal tunnel treatment patterns using the modified LenSx Laser.
The LenSx Laser system underwent medical electrical equipment testing and was found in compliance with the following application safety standards:
- ANSI AAMI ES 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1: General . Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance
- . IEC 60601-1-2 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility
- . IEC 60601-2-22 – Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2-22: Particular Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Surgical, Cosmetic, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Laser Equipment
- IEC 60825-1 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and . Requirements
- IEC 62304 Medical Device Software Software Life Cycle Processes .
- . IEC 62366 – Medical Devices - Application of Usability Engineering to Medical Devices
Verification and validation of the software updates were conducted in accordance with FDA's "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices," dated May 11, 2005, and demonstrated that the functional and safety critical requirements are fulfilled.
{10}------------------------------------------------
### VIII. Software Verification and Validation
Software verification and validation testing were conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this device is considered as a "major" level of concern, since a failure or latent flaw in the software could directly result in serious injury or death to the patient or operator.
### IX. Conclusions
The subject of this 510(k) Premarket Notification is to seek clearance for additional new indications for the creation of corneal tunnels and corneal pockets. The LenSx Laser System is essentially the same device as the predicate LenSx Laser System. All modifications were tested to show substantial equivalence to the predicate device as safe and as effective as the predicate device.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.